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Published on: August 14, 2013
Chromium deficiency during total parenteral nutrition
JAMA
|February 2, 1979
Summary
Severe glucose intolerance and encephalopathy in a patient on long-term parenteral nutrition were reversed with chromium supplementation. This suggests chromium deficiency can occur with total parenteral nutrition.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Chromium is essential for maintaining normal glucose tolerance.
- Long-term total parenteral nutrition (TPN) can alter nutrient metabolism.
- Nutrient deficiencies can manifest with severe clinical symptoms.
Observation:
- A patient with a history of complete bowel resection developed severe glucose intolerance, weight loss, and metabolic encephalopathy after five months of TPN.
- The patient's serum chromium levels were at the lowest normal range.
- Clinical symptoms improved significantly with daily chromium supplementation.
Findings:
- Chromium deficiency can develop in patients receiving long-term total parenteral nutrition.
- Chromium supplementation effectively reversed glucose intolerance and encephalopathy.
- Supplementation led to weight gain and reduced insulin requirements.
Implications:
- Patients on long-term TPN should be monitored for potential chromium deficiency.
- Chromium supplementation may be a crucial intervention for TPN-associated metabolic disturbances.
- This case highlights the importance of trace element management in long-term nutritional support.
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